Baking soda for hemorrhoids
Today many people face chronic constipation, which is due to a sedentary lifestyle which is due to poor nutrition and even bad habits. If chronic constipation is not diagnosed and treated it can cause a variety of problems. For example, if you have chronic constipation, you are more likely to develop:
- hemorrhoids
- anal fissures which occur when the skin around your anus tightens,
- fecal impaction (represents the retention of formed and very solid fecal masses inside the large intestine. The stool takes a compact form that cannot be expelled from the rectum by normal emptying)
WHAT CAUSES CONSTIPATION?
Many things can contribute to constipation:
- if you eat foods low in fiber
- you don’t drink enough water
- you are not physically active
- you do not use the bathroom when you need to
Other less common causes of constipation include:
- irritable bowel syndrome and other bowel diseases
- anal fissures
- pregnancy
- thyroid problems
- diabetes
- neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis
- colon cancer
- certain drugs, etc.
HOW TO PREVENT AND TREAT CONSTIPATION
To prevent constipation drink plenty of water and fluids, keep your diet high in fiber and exercise regularly. Even 30-minute walks can help you have a regular bowel movement. When you feel the need to use the toilet do so immediately as waiting can increase the risk of constipation. In many cases, you can treat constipation by changing your lifestyle, for example, eating more fiber, drinking more fluids and exercising may help get your bowels moving. Some natural remedies can also provide relief. Some will also recommend using a home remedy – baking soda.
CAN BAKING SODA CURE HEMORRHOIDS AND CONSTIPATION?
If you are looking for information about natural treatments for constipation and hemorrhoids you can find baking soda which has been used as an antacid for decades and by consuming it you can neutralize stomach acid. That’s why some people use it as an all-natural remedy for heartburn and indigestion. Some people claim that consuming baking soda relieves constipation. When combined with stomach acid baking soda also produces gas and causes burping. Some people claim that it relieves some symptoms of constipation.
SIDE EFFECTS OF CONSUMING BAKING SODA
Rare side effects have been reported due to the consumption of baking soda. In some cases consuming too much baking soda can cause constipation. It can also cause vomiting, diarrhea, frequent urination, muscle weakness, muscle cramps and irritability. Baking soda is also high in sodium. Eating too much sodium can increase your risk of health problems especially if you are sensitive to salt or have high blood pressure, kidney or heart disease.
Mixing baking soda with other medications or supplements can cause unwanted drug interactions so most doctors will not recommend baking soda as a treatment for constipation. Constipation usually clears up in three to five days depending on the treatment you’re using, but if constipation continues or returns within a week you may need to take extra measures to relieve symptoms and prevent them from coming back. If you are constipated for more than three weeks be sure to see a doctor.
WHAT IS A BAKING SODA BATH?
Baking soda has a number of uses and is popular as a home remedy for many conditions. It dissolves completely in water and is commonly added to oral hygiene and cleaning products as it can help remove bacteria, odors and acidity.
Soaking in a warm bath can have valuable therapeutic properties, warming your muscles and helping you relax after a stressful day and it can also promote sweating which can help the body rid itself of toxins. Baking soda bath can help relieve itching and pain caused by constipation or hemorrhoids.
Is a baking soda bath good for hemorrhoids?
A baking soda bath can be beneficial for many ailments, including:
- Fungal infections of the skin and nails. Research suggests that baking soda may be useful as an antifungal agent against many strains of fungus that commonly infect human skin and nails, however, you should check with your doctor if a baking soda bath can help relieve symptoms.
- Eczema causes the development of dry, itchy and inflamed patches of skin on the body during exacerbations. These areas can be so itchy that the person scratches and breaks the skin making it prone to infection and worsening symptoms. Adding ¼ cup of baking soda to a warm bath can help soothe itchy skin.
- Like eczema, medicated baths can be beneficial for people with psoriasis. Adding ½ cup of baking soda to your oat flakes bath can further reduce irritation and itching. It is necessary for a person suffering from psoriasis to moisturize the skin immediately after drying it with a towel because hot water can further dry the skin.
- Urinary tract infection. A urinary tract infection causes pain and burning during urination, a condition caused by excess acidity in the urinary tract. Although a baking soda bath will not change the acidity of your urine it can reduce pain and discomfort when used along with antibiotics prescribed by your doctor. Add ¼ cup of baking soda to the tub and soak for 15 to 30 minutes.
- Diaper rash. The moist, warm conditions in a diaper make it the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. This can cause a red rash on the skin called diaper rash. A baby’s skin can also become irritated from the constant friction of the nappy so baking soda bath will help remove irritating bacteria and soothe sensitive skin. For babies and small children it is important to use only a minimal amount of baking soda because dissolved baking soda can be absorbed through the skin. Using 1 to 2 tablespoons of baking soda in a small, lukewarm bath and soaking the affected area for 10 minutes is enough to provide relief in most cases.
- Constipation and hemorrhoids. A baking soda bath can help relieve itching and pain caused by constipation or hemorrhoids. A ¼ cup of baking soda added to a warm bath may be enough to relieve symptoms.
HOW TO USE A BAKING SODA BATH FOR HEMORRHOIDS
To make a baking soda bath add between ¼ to 2 cups of baking soda to warm bath water and stir to dissolve. After the baking soda has completely dissolved soak your body in the tub for up to 40 minutes. After the bath dry the skin with a towel and use a natural oil or lotion to moisturize the skin. Soaking in a bath with baking soda can help relieve rectal pain associated with constipation. It can also relax your anal sphincter which can help you form a stool.
RISKS OF USING BAKING SODA BATHS
Baking soda baths are usually safe and have their benefits but baking soda can be absorbed into the skin and should be avoided by those who:
- have high blood pressure,
- have serious infections or open wounds,
- are pregnant or breastfeeding,
- have diabetes,
- are prone to fainting,
- are allergic to baking soda,
- use drugs or alcohol.
Some people may react badly to baking soda so it is advisable to test the effects on a small area of the skin at least 24 hours before the bath. A large number of people who are faced with a disease like hemorrhoids resort to alternative methods. One of them is the use of baking soda for hemorrhoids. As with any treatment before using baking soda to treat an underlying medical condition it is necessary to consult a doctor.
Diet for hemorrhoids is also important. If you are not sure what harms you and what helps relieve the symptoms of hemorrhoids we suggest you read the following texts: